Watchman s shot-proof box



(No Model.) 2 sheets-sheet 1.

I s} E. WHITE. WATGEMANS SHOT PROOF BOX- 7 No. 517,086. Patentgd Mar. 27, 1894.

I WITNESSEVS: lNVE TOR v i EMMZ" 4 ATTORNEYS,

YNE NITIDNAL LIYNQGRAPNING GUMPN'. wAsbimarou. 0. IL

I (No Model.) 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

s. E. WHITE. 7 WATOHMANS SHOT PROOF BOX.

No. 517,086. Patented Mar. 27, 1894.

ATTORNEYS m! NATIONAL umoamvnma ccMPAnv,

INGTON- UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SILAS E. WHITE, OF WATERTOWN, NEW YORK.

WATCH MANS SHOT-PROOF BOX.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 517,086, dated March 27, 1894:.

Application filed October 15, 1892, Serial No. 449,016- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

compartment or chamber.

Be it known that I, SILAS E. WHITE, of Watertown, in the county of Jefferson, in the State of New York, have invented new and useful Improvements in Protectors for Watchmen, of which the following, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to improvements in bullet and bomb-proof chambers or compartments applicable for use in express cars, banks and other vehicles or buildings in which it is desired to providea device of this kind for the protection of a guard 'or watchman; and it has for its object the production of an armored chamber or compartment, simple in construction and operation, and efficient, durable and practical in use; and to this end it consists, essentially, in an outer case or shell, supports at the opposite extremities of the case or shellfor permitting the same to be revolved in order that the guard or watchman on the interior may. face in any direction, and in the detail construcularly described and-pointed'out in the claims.

In describing this-invention, reference is had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which, like letters indicate corresponding parts in all the views. 7

Figure 1 is a vertical elevation, partly in section, of my improved invention, illustratingits general construction and arrangement. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, taken on line 2-2, Fig. 1, the door being illustrated in its normal closed position by full lines, and in its open position by dotted lines. Fig. 3 is an enlarged transverse horizontal sectional view, taken on line 33, Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail vertical sectional view of the upper .end of the chamber or compartment, illustrating particularly the means for looking the outer case or shell of the compartment from revolution, and for permitting said case or shell to revolve. Fig. 5 is anenlarged inverted sectional view, taken on "line 55, Fig. 4, for clearly showing the engaging face at the upper end of the case or shell of the Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the detached sleeve mounted therewith.

upon the inner end of the supporting spindle for the case or shell and operating to lock said case or shellfrom movement, or to aid the operator in rotating the same; and Fig. 7 is an isometric perspective of the hinged support for the door of the case or shell.

It is well known that guards'and watchmen, and particularly express messengers are frequently attacked by robbers, well supplied with fire arms, and, owing to lack of suitable protection, are either disabled or killed, or compelled to yield to the robbers who are then free to remove the treasure in the care of the guards or watchmen. By my invention I provide a protecting chamber or compartment having bullet and bomb-proof walls intowhich the guard or watchman can quickly and easilyenter upon the slightest alarm or indication of the presence of robbers, &c., and

can then view the entire room or car containin g the treasure without any liability of injury, and can, While thus protected, shoot with accuracy any persons entering the room without permission. My protecting chamber or compartment consists, essentially, of an outer case or shell -A-, and supports -B C- for the upper and lower extremities of the case or shell. .The case or shell A-.is formed of sheet-steel or boiler iron of sufficient thickness and strength to resist the entrance and action of bullets or bombs, and when intended for use in express cars, banks and other places of limited dimensions, its central portion a is constructed in the form of an inverted truncated cone and its upper and lower extremities a'-a are conically shaped, tapering outwardly from the central portion a. Experience shows that'a shell of this shape practically and efficiently resiststhe entrance or action of bullets and bombs, since curved and inclined surfaces are presented to the impingement of the bullets or bombs, and is easily, practically and economically manufactured. I do not, however, restrict my invention to a case or shell of this preciseform, since itis evident that its form may be varied to conform to the designers taste, or the shape and construction of the car or room to be provided Although the caseor shell A may be of any desired size, or proportion, it is preferably formed, as illustrated, of a pro.-

portion and size suitable for permitting a single man to use small fire arms with ease, as it is usually desired to restrict to the utmost the amount of room occupied by the protecting chamber or compartment in order that the room may be used for other purposes. The supports --B--C- for the opposite ends of the case or shell A may be of any desirable form and construction to practically and efficiently support said case, but they are preferably constructed, as illustrated, so as to permit the case to be revolved practically and freely from its interior in order that the occupant may view any portion of the car or room in which the case or shell is arranged.

A is a door of suitable form and size for closing an opening A in the wall of 'the central portion --a of the case or shell A. The opening A is formed with an endless flange A* and the door A with a similar flange or rabbet A adapted to rest against the outer face of the flange or -D- is a hinged connection for supporting the door -A-, and, as preferably constructed, and as best seen at Figs. 2, 3 and 7, the connection D consists of a plate having one end hinged at a** to an arm A-- extending inwardly from the inner face of the door -A' and its other end hinged at a to a plate A-- on the inner face of the case --A- at one side of the opening A In opening the door, the connection, -D-- swings outwardly upon the hinge pin a*-- and the door A swings upon the hinge pin -a until the left-hand edge a-" of the door engages the case --A- at the left-hand of the opening A as clearly seen at Figs. 2 and 3. The door A'- is automatically closed by a counter-weight E- connected to one end of a flexible cord epassed over a guide-pulley -e'-- and having its opposite end secured at e to the inner face of said door. The guide-pulley -e'- is journaled in a bracket e on the inner face of the case or shell A.

-F-- is a brace for normally holding the door -A open against the action of the counter-weight -E when the guard or watchman is at the outside of said case. The brace F preferably consists of the inner section hinged at f to the case or shell A-, and the outer section f havtheir normal position, lie closely against the wall of the case A- and occupy the least possible room.

In entering the case or shell A, the

guard or watchman rocks the section -f of the brace -F on the pivot- -f-- and thereby rocks the outer end of the section f from operative engagement with the shoulder a" on the door A-- whereupon the weight E- immediately and automatically closes said door and the operator then rocks the brace section fupon the pivot -f toits normal position beneath or above the section --f as clearly seen at Fig. 3.

The door A is locked in position by any suitable form of catch, here shown as consisting of a lever G- hinged at one end to the interior of the case by a hinge pin gand as adapted to removably engage an arm G-- on the inner face of the door A.

H-- is a chamber formed in the lower end of the case or shell --A-, and hthe top Wall for said chamber which forms the support for the occupant. The wall his preferably provided with any suitable construction of trap-door h for permitting entrance to the chamber I-I-. This chamber -H forms a convenient receptacle for arms, ammunition, &c., and. as a further support for such articles, and for a suitable lantern I provide shelves -II' which project from the inner wall of the case ata convenient height above the wall h.

a represents ventilating openings in the upper extremity a-- of the shell A; --a sight or loop openings beneath the former openings for enabling the occupant of the shell -A to watch the advance of intruders or others, and to shoot through the wall of the shell with accuracy and precision; and a" similar sight or loop openings in the cover or door A. The latter openings, a--, are closed by outside shutters a which are operated from the interior of the shell A- to open and close said openings. These shutters are mounted on spindles a, to the inner ends of which are secured levers a which are rocked upwardly or downwardlylto open or close the openings a,. The support B- consists, preferably, of a trunnion projecting from the central portion of a bearing face a at the lower extremity of the case or shell A and is adapted to enter a socket B-- in a step or bearing -B suitably secured by fastening means -b-bto a supporting frame bar B -a --b' are grooves formed, respectively, in the face a of the case or shell A and the top face of the step or bearing B for receiving anti-friction balls-a The support -O- for the upper end of the shell A- consists of a non-revoluble spindle having its upper end secured by fastening means c-cto a suitable supporting bar G and its lower end inserted within the upper end of the case A- through an opening A in the upper extremity of the case A.

A is an engaging face at the upper 4 and 6, consists of a sleeve havinga project-'- ing arm G provided with an engaging tooth C adapted to enter one of the sockets -A of the engaging face A Projecting from the supporting spindle O- is a lug 'O registered with an elongated groove O in the sleeve O for preventing said sleeve from revolution. A spring O interposed between a shoulder O on the supporting spindle -C-' and the adjacent or lower face of the sleeve O- normally forces said sleeve C upwardly and engages the'tooth O thereon'with one of the sockets A The case or shell A i s revolved, as previously described, upon its trunnion B' and around the non revoluble spindle-(3 but is normally locked from'revolution by the normal engagement of the tooth O- with the engaging face '--A at the upper end of said-shell. As the'sleeve or lock G is forced downwardly along the spindle 'O against the action of the spring O the tooth O is withdrawn from engagement with the socket A The operator "on-the interior of the case or shell A, who'stands upon the supporting'wall ':h, is then free to revolve the case A'- by pushing against the non-revoluble sleeve +-C -,-"and to facilitate this action, the sleeve -('F- is formed'with handengaging arms O When the case or shell is revolved to the desired position, the

operatorreleases the sleeve -O "and the spring -'O automatically engages the same with'oneof the apertures -A and firmly locks the case or shell A in its adjusted position and prevents any one on the exterior of saidsh'ell or case from revolving the same against the will ofthe guard or watchman within the ease or shell.

The describedconstruction of supports for the lower and upper extremities of the case or shell A-' are simple in construction and operation, permitthe same to be revolved with great ease and convenience from the 1nterior, and absolutely prevent the revolution" of the case or shellfrom the exterior.

In order that the guard or watchman within the case or shell -A may alarm others of his peril, I provide a bell J which is mounted in any suitable loeality, as an adjoining ear or' room, a battery 7,a posi'-- tive wire 7'" having one end connected to the positive pole of the battery j-, and anegative wire ;7' connected to the bell J and having one end secured to the negative pole of the battery j.

spindle O which is preferably formed hollow and are secured to positive and negative The opposite ends of the wires 7'-- 7 are passed w1th1n the terminals j j mounted in a plate j onthe-interior ot' the lower end of said spindle. Beneath the plate ---fa second plate -jand guided through the plate j is the plunger of apush button or cut-out controller j"' having a shoulder j interposed between the plates -j -j. A spring j normally forces the shoulder j against the'guide plate -j*'- and when the push button is forced inwardly, its shoulder j encounters the terminals ;7' j and completes' the circuit through the bell -'J,bat-

tery j'- and wires jj thus souhding' inyalarm in the locality provided with said ell.

The alarm, the electric circuit and the circuit closer for operating the same have been but briefly described as the same form no part of mypres'ent invention, although they are obviously extremely applicablefor use therewith. 1

The operation of my invention will be readthe least sign of danger, may quickly and easily protect himself within my improved shell'or compartment, and may view the approach or entrance of intruders and defend himselfby'fire-arms without the slightest liability-of danger. It will also he understood that'my improved protecting chamber or compartment is simple and economical in construction, is easily operated, and is practical, durable and efficient in use. The detail construotion and arrangement of said chamber or compartment may, however, be greatly varied without departing from thespirit of my inventiom'hence I do not herein specifically limit myself to such exact detail constructionand arrangement. Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as n'ew, and desireto secure by LettersiPatent, is-

1: ,A' protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer casing orshell provided withanopeningat one extremity and a trunnion at its opposite extremity,a spindle passed through said opening for supporting the extremity provided therewith, and-a support or bearing for receiving said-trunnion and supporting-the opposite extremity of the casing, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. 2.'A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer casing or shell formed with'contracted extremities having inclined outer faces-and provided with an opening at oneextremity and a trunnion at its opposite extremity, a spindle passed through said opening for supporting the end of said casing provided therewith, and a support or bearing for receiving saidtrunnion and supportingth'e opposite end of the casing," substantially as and for the purpose :set forth. 3. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer casing or shell formed with contracted extremities and a central portion having inclined outer faces, and provided with an opening at one extremity and a trunnion at its opposite extremity, a spindle passed through said opening for supporting the extremity provided therewith, and a support or bearing for receiving said trunnion and supporting the opposite extremity of the casing, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble casing or shell, supports at the opposite extremities of said casing for permitting its rotation, a station ary spindle projecting through one extremity of said casing within the same, and a hand engaging portion provided on said spindle whereby the casing may be rotated, substantially as set forth.

5. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer casing or shell formed with contracted extremities and a central portion having inclined outer faces, and provided with an opening at one extremity and a trunnion at its opposite extremity, a spindle passed through said opening for supporting the extremity provided therewith and provided with a hand engaging portion 0 and a support or bearing at the opposite extremity for receiving said trunnion and supporting said extremity of the casing, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

6. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble case or shell having an engaging face on the interior of said case, at one end, a supporting stationary spindle, projecting through said end and a lock movably mounted on the spindle in proximity to said face and formed with an engaging tooth for normally engaging said face of the case and locking the same from movement, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

7. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble case or shell having an internal engaging face at one end and provided with an opening through said end, and'an outer bearing face at its opposite end, a supporting stationary spindle having its lower end inserted within the case or shell through said opening, alock movably mounted on the spindle in proximity to said engaging face and formed with an engaging tooth for normally engaging said face of the case and locking the same from movement, a trunnion projecting from the central portion of the bearing face at the lower extremity of the case, a step or socket for receiving said trunnion and supporting the corresponding end of the casing and provided with an upper bearing face, and anti-friction balls interposed between the bearing faces of said case and step, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

8. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble case or shell having an engaging face on the interior of one extremity, a supporting stationary spindle projecting through said extremity, a lock movably mounted on the spindle in proximity to said engaging face and formed with an engaging tooth for normally engaging said face and locking the same from movement, and a lug provided on the inner end of said spindle for retaining said lock in operative position, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

9. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble case or shell having an internal engaging face, at one extremity, a supporting stationary spindle, a lock movably mounted on the spindle in proximity to said face and formed with an engaging tooth, and a spring for normally engaging said tooth with the inner engaging face of the case and locking the same from movement,-substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer revoluble case or shell having an internal engaging face, at one extremity a supporting stationary spindle extending Within the outer case or shell, in proximity to said face a sleeve movable lengthwise on the spindle and formed with a tooth for engaging the internal engaging face of the case, a lug on the spindle for preventing revolution of the sleeve thereon, a spring for normally elevating the sleeve and forcing its tooth into engagement with the internal engaging face of the case, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

11. A protecting chamber or compartmen comprising an outer revoluble shell or case having an internal engaging face, at one extremity, a supporting stationary spindle extending within the outer case or shell, in proximity to said face a sleeve movable length- Wise on the spindle and formed with a tooth for engaging the internal engaging face of the case, a lug on the spindle for preventing revolution of the sleeve thereon, a spring for normally elevating the sleeve and forcing its tooth into engagement with the internalengaging face of the case, and a hand engaging portion upon the sleevewhereby the sleeve maybe drawn out of engagement with the internal engaging face of the case for permit ting revolution of the case, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

12. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer case or shell formed with an opening in its wall, a door for opening and closing said opening, an inwardly projecting arm on the door, and a link or support having one end hinged to the arm on the door and the other hinged to the inner face of the case or shell, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

13. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer case or shell formed with an opening in its wall, a door for opening and closing said opening, an inwardly projecting arm on the door, a link or support having one end hinged to the arm on the door and the other hinged to the inner face of the case or shel1,a guide within the case or shell, and a flexible connection passed over said guide and havingone end secured to the door and the other to a counter-weight, substantially asand for'the purpose set forth.

14. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer case or shell formed with an opening in its wall, a door for opening and closing said opening, an inwardly projecting arm on the door, a link or support having one end hinged to the arm on the door and the other hinged to the inner face of the case or shell at one side of the opening, a movable locking bar or latch hinged to the inner face of the case at the'opposite side of the opening, and -a shoulder on thedoor for engaging the free end of said locking bar or latch, substantially as and for the purpose specified. V

15. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer case or shell formed with an opening in its wall, a door for opening and closing said opening, a hinged connection having one end secured to the inner face of the door and the other to the inner face of the: case at one side of said opening, and aflexible brace or connection between the door and the inner face of the case at the opposite side of said opening, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. v v

16. A protecting chamber or compartment comprising an outer-case or shell formed with an opening in its wall, a door for opening and closing said opening, ahinged connection having one end secured to the inner face of the door and the other to the inner face of the case at one side of said opening, and a brace consisting offinner and outer sections,

the inner section being hinged to the inner face of the case at the opposite s ide of said opening, and the outer section being hinged to the outer end of the former section and having its outer end adapted to'engage the door, substantially'as and for the purpose specified. V v

In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name, in the presence of two attesting witnesses-at Syracusefln the county of Onondaga, in theStat'e of New York, this 14th day of June, 1892.

' SILAS. E. WHITE.

Witnesses: s

CLARK H.,NORTON, M; BAXTER. 

